Schrodinger Quote by Arthur Stanley Eddington
““Each electron wants the whole of three-dimensional space for its waves; so Schrodinger generously allows three dimensions for each of them. For two electrons he requires a six-dimensional sub-aether. He then successfully applies his method on the same lines as before. I think you will see now that Schrodinger has given us what seemed to be a comprehensible physical picture only to snatch it away again. His sub-aether does not exist in physical space; it is in a 'configuration space' imagined by the mathematician for the purpose of solving his problems, and imagined afresh with different numbers of dimensions according to the problem proposed. It was only an accident that in the earliest problems considered the configuration space had a close correspondence with physical space, suggesting some degree of objective reality of the waves. Schrodinger's wave mechanics is not a physical theory but a dodge - and a very good dodge too.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on Quantum Mechanics, 1935
Schrödinger’s wave function lives in abstract configuration space, not physical space, making it a mathematical tool rather than a literal description.
In simple terms: Wave mechanics is a useful model, not a direct picture of reality.
Key Takeaway
Treat wave functions as calculations, not physical objects.
Themes
physics
philosophy
science
interpretation
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
explanatory
critical
When to use this quote
- research papers
- teaching
- philosophical debate
- technology development
Key Concepts
quantum theory
mathematical modeling
ontology
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this imply about scientific models?
- Can we trust models without physical reality?
A Different Perspective
Complex mathematics can obscure intuitive understanding for non‑experts.
